anatolys art history: the stone age part iii | anatoly vanetik

Anatoly's Art History

Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik

THE STONEAGE PART

III

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The Stone AgeBackground


The years (and years, and years and years) that Prehistoric art

covers, as well as the categories, subcategories and sub

subcategories that fall under the umbrella are virtually limitless and

could be written about ad infinitum.


The Stone AgeBackground


However, my time is not limitless, so instead of

dwelling on the prehistoric art that helped to set the

stage for that of today, I’ll instead be wrapping up the

period with this third and final post on Stone Age (or

prehistoric, essentially interchangeable names) art.


The Stone Agesculpture

The Stone Agesculpture


When we picture sculptures today, our minds likely wander to one of a

few distinct places. Perhaps you’re picturing the likes of the Thinker, the

statue of David, the Disc Thrower, or one of the countless sculptures

that adorn college campuses across the country. These are the

enduring works that draw countless eyes in museums and galleries

around the world. They’re coveted so highly for their beautiful intricacies,

their size and the symbolism embedded in each curve in the marble

they’re sculptured from. The earliest forms of sculpture we’re not made

from marble (of course) and were not as intricate or lifelike. In fact, some

question whether they’re even art.


The Stone Ageprimitive sculpture


Some of the first works of art discovered from the Stone Age are the

incredibly primitive, relatively hominidlooking figures such as the Venus

of TanTan and the Venus of Berekhat Ram. Both figures are very very

rough, relatively human shaped stone carvings, shaped by a sharp piece

of stone. Initially thought to be naturally occurring stones that were

simply coincidentally shaped the way they are, both figures support the

now confirmed via microscopic examinations theory that they were

indeed carved–perhaps by the same artist!


The Stone AgeRelief sculpture


Relief sculptures were created on the same or similar cave walls as the

ohsopopular cave paintings of the Stone Age. Perhaps the most well

known and important to modern art is the Tuc d’Audoubert Cave, where

over 300 pieces of prehistoric art were discovered, including cave

paintings, rock carvings and relief sculptures including a pair of bison

made of clay.


The Stone Agevenus figurines


Not to be confused with the above early carvings mentioned in the “Primitive

Sculptures” section, the Venus figurines were created much later by the cromagnon

people, who proved to be more adept artists than their neanderthal predecessors.

The Venus figurines were very small figures that share some similarities with African

fertility statues. These statuettes were of women exclusively, and featured oversized

hips and breasts. Unlike fertility statues–the purpose of which is known and in the

name–the purpose behind the creation of the Venus figurines is still subject to

debate. Some historians believe that they were indeed fertility statues, while others

claim they are religious artifacts. Without a firm grasp on the role that females and

religion played in the Stone Age, no one is quite sure which of the two is correct.


The Stone Agevenus figurines


The Venus Figurines, Courtesy AncientOrigins.net


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anatolys art history: the stone age part iii | anatoly vanetik

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